I don’t think custom hat maker Mary Landrum envisioned herself coming home to Crystal Springs, Mississippi after getting to experience the wonders of the West. The western United States has a charm that I am not sure many other places can compare to. The atmosphere, the people, the landscape, and we can’t forget… the fashion. One of the staple clothing accessories in Wyoming and surrounding areas is the custom felt hat. Everyone has them and everyone rocks them. While working in Wyoming, Mary Landrum came familiar with this fashion style and adopted it as a part of her own wardrobe. She saw the beauty of them and wanted the chance to create her own for people in Mississippi.

Mary Landrum of ML Provisions is currently the only custom felt hat maker in the state of Mississippi. Even though she has only been creating hats full time for less than a year, her client base is steadily growing. Something about having an accessory to make you stand out is something that many people are craving. It is amazing to see people step out of their comfort zones and adopt such a unique element into their individual fashion senses.

Mary Landrum not only brought the felt hat style back to Mississippi, but also some of the Wyoming charm. ML Provisions studio is stationed in the most beautiful rustic antique barn on her family's property in Crystal Springs. The studio embodies the perfect mix of southern and western culture. You cannot step foot in that building without leaving with a sense of peace or simplicity and of course, a hat.

The most appealing part of any handmade product is the customization of it. The way Mary Landrum runs her business gives each customer the ability to completely design their own hat from scratch or alter one that she has currently hanging on her wall. No matter which way you choose, these hats are made from the same finest material that she can get her hands on. The felt is a beautiful blend of beaver and rabbit fur resulting in an accessory of pure luxury to own. If you wish, you can get your head measured and shaped, pick your felt color and Mary Landrum will create it just for you. The process for each custom hat takes about 8 hours from beginning to end, so you know love and care is going into each one. Once the hat shape is complete, you then have the opportunity to add extra elements to it. You can add anything from a custom band, to feathers, or anything in between. My personal favorite touch is the branding and distressing of certain hats. The rustic touch she adds is so unique to her style and sets her apart from other makers.

You might have to wait a few weeks to get your custom hat finalized but for those of us who are a little less patient and want a hat that day, there's an option for you too. Mary Landrum has a wide variety of hats on her wall in her studio. They range in color and size, shape and style. The beauty of this is that you can walk in and try on as many as you want. Once you find one to your liking, you can take it over to one of the accessory stations and add whatever elements to it you wish, and walk out with a hat that same day. The instant gratification however does not take away from the personal design and customization of each hat. Each is unique and original just like each of her customers.

The passion Mary Landrum has for her product and her clients is unmatched. The innovation and creativity she possesses is truly inspiring. Both her and her hats captivate people and encourage them to break out of their comfort zones. No matter what you think, she will try and convince you that you are “a hat person”. Believe her.

Instagram: @mlprovisions

Lindsey Howard

“The Mad Hatter”- ML Provisions